Rep. Raul Ruiz calls for investigation into retired Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) is calling for a full, independent investigation into retired Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.

Rep. Ruiz sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requesting a review of Bovino's conduct.

"I said all along that we need to do an independent investigation into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. And not just those that pulled the trigger, but those that aided and abetted and leadership that fosters this culture of brutality, that empowered this kind of violence on U.S. citizens," Ruiz said.

Ruiz also pointed to use-of-force rates in the region. He says they are higher than average, raising concerns about leadership.

"What's the environment that he created that led to agents feeling empowered to behave violently against non-criminal immigrants and U.S. citizens…that led to the death of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. That's what needs to be investigated," Ruiz said.

Ruiz says accountability should still happen, even after retirement.

We've reached out to CBP for comment and are awaiting a response.